I figured I would take the opportunity to write a blog post while it is storming outside. Today is concert day, and I have spent the last few hours getting caught in the bustle of the King Arts Complex as we set up and tear down and maybe set up again, trying to decide if the storm is going to keep us from having the Heritage Concert Series tonight or if we should go ahead and risk it.

It is funny how things seem to work at the complex. Both in the office and in the classrooms, I tend to hear the phrase “Just when you think you have seen it all…” on a daily basis. Three weeks ago, it was a busted water pipe that shut down all but one bathroom in the center. Two weeks ago, it was a busted bus window and a burnt potato that ruined the office microwave and left me trying to eat a frozen, frosted Lean Cuisine with a broken plastic fork. Last week, a burning smell caused us to evacuate the building, the kids dramatically coughing as if the whole place was burning down.  Every firetruck in Columbus rushed to the scene and surrounded our building! And, of course, for the last few weeks the only time it has stormed is on Thursday afternoons, right when we are setting up for the festival.
Believe me though, I am not complaining! These are just minor inconveniences that seem to come up. In fact, I have learned a lot through the experience. Going into the fellowship, these are things that I would never have anticipated having to deal with, but it is the reality of work. I tend to take things way too seriously, and this has taught me to lighten up. It has also showed me that part of growing closer with others is going through some not-so-perfect circumstances with them. I listened to a sermon recently called “Building a Life Framework that is Ready to Suffer” (http://www.xenos.org/teachings/?series=125). One of the final remarks that was made was that “we were never meant to suffer alone.” While these minor issues in the office are nowhere near the suffering that humans experience, or even that I have experienced in my own life, these minor issues have caused me to reflect on the role that my relationships play in my life experience. In the office, minor issues leave us to laugh and have a shared experience that we can recount later. In the Christian community of which I am a part outside of work, the relationships that I have are such an important part of making it through tougher times in life, and the more suffering we experience together, the closer we become.

This summer, I have learned SO much, but I think one of the biggest things I am learning is that I cannot neglect people who are in my life, no matter where I am. I tend to be an introvert, someone who mulls and processes and reflects and could be perfectly content to sit alone at home and just think (I love writing blogs like this one), but by the grace of God I am being transformed into someone who is able to get outside of myself and be involved with others and engaged in lives other than my own. It is such an important part of life to care about and care for others, and I am so excited to work somewhere where I have a daily opportunity to serve others and impact the community I am in.

Well, it appears we are going ahead with the festival tonight, and the storm is almost finished. Time to go set up!